Today’s Complete Market CoverageMajor Indexes Hold Ground Amid Trade Talk Developments
As of midday Monday, April 28, 2025, U.S. markets are showing mixed performance with the Dow Jones Industrial Average leading gains. The Dow is up approximately 130 points (0.32%), while the S&P 500 is hovering near the flatline with a minimal gain of 0.15%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is slightly down, falling about 0.3% as investors position themselves ahead of a crucial week for earnings and economic data.
Market participants are closely monitoring developments in trade negotiations, particularly between the U.S. and China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated this morning that “it’s up to China to de-escalate” trade tensions, noting that China sells “five times more to us than we sell to them.” Bessent also indicated progress on other trade proposals, suggesting a deal with India would be “one of the first” to materialize.
Tech Giants Headline Packed Earnings Calendar
This week marks the busiest period of the first-quarter earnings season, with over 180 S&P 500 companies scheduled to report results. Four of the “Magnificent Seven” tech companies will take center stage:
– Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta Platforms (META) report on Wednesday
– Apple (AAPL) and Amazon (AMZN) release results on Thursday
Other notable companies reporting this week include Visa (V), Coca-Cola (KO), Eli Lilly (LLY), Pfizer (PFE), General Motors (GM), and ExxonMobil (XOM).
Earnings results have been relatively strong so far this quarter, with approximately 70% of reporting companies beating analysts’ estimates. However, Wall Street is lowering expectations for the second quarter and full year as companies provide cautious guidance amid uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariff policies.
Notable Stock Movers Today
Among today’s standout performers:
– CG Oncology (CGON) is surging over 33%, leading gainers
– Pony AI Inc. (PONY) has jumped more than 29%
– ADMA Biologics (ADMA) is up about 12.5%
– VEON Ltd. (VEON) has gained over 12%
On the downside:
– Nvidia (NVDA) is down nearly 3%, despite being a major gainer in Friday’s session
– Goosehead Insurance (GSHD) is falling over 7%
– Tesla (TSLA) is trading down about 1%
Critical Economic Data on Deck
This week features several market-moving economic reports that could significantly impact trading sentiment:
– Wednesday: First-quarter GDP (consensus expecting just 0.1% growth), Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, and personal income/spending figures
– Thursday: ISM Manufacturing PMI and weekly unemployment claims
– Friday: April nonfarm payrolls report (economists expect 129,000 jobs added) and unemployment rate (expected to remain at 4.2%)
The Federal Reserve will be closely monitoring these reports ahead of its May 6-7 meeting, especially as President Trump has increased pressure on Chair Jerome Powell regarding interest rate policy.
Market Outlook
April has been a volatile month for markets following President Trump’s sweeping tariff announcements and subsequent modifications. The S&P 500 briefly entered bear market territory on April 7 but has since recovered, though it remains down more than 1% for the month. The Dow is performing worse, tracking for a 4% monthly loss, while the Nasdaq has managed to stay marginally positive for April.
Analysts suggest the combination of heavyweight earnings reports, critical economic data, and ongoing tariff uncertainty points to elevated volatility continuing through the week. Investors appear cautiously optimistic but remain defensive until clearer market direction emerges.
As we approach the end of April, market participants will be watching closely to see if economic data shows early impacts from tariff policies and whether corporate guidance provides clarity on the business outlook for the remainder of 2025.